Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires

Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires

In north London, three individuals have been formally charged following the deliberate setting ablaze of four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity. The vehicles, operated by Hatzola—a volunteer-led group providing emergency medical assistance to people of all faiths—were targeted in a fire that broke out in the parking area of a synagogue in Golders Green during the early hours of 23 March.

The accused include two British nationals, Hamza Iqbal, aged 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, along with a 17-year-old boy holding dual British-Pakistani nationality. All three face charges of arson with intent to cause property damage, as well as recklessness regarding potential endangerment of life. They were apprehended simultaneously at three separate properties in east London, according to a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police.

Iqbal and Khan, both from Leyton, and the unnamed minor from Walthamstow, are scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Although counter-terrorism officers are managing the investigation, authorities have clarified that the case has not currently been classified as an act of terrorism. Frank Ferguson, who leads the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, highlighted the importance of the ongoing legal process, emphasizing that the defendants are entitled to a fair trial.

Earlier in the investigation, two other men, aged 45 and 47, were arrested and subsequently released on bail pending further inquiry. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, acknowledged the tireless efforts by police to identify those responsible and commended the overwhelming support shown by the local community in the aftermath of the attack. In response to heightened concerns—especially as the Jewish community observed the Passover festival—police have increased patrols in areas with significant Jewish populations. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams stressed that these additional security measures are purely precautionary and not prompted by any specific threat

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